Stearns shatters Open Era record with unprecedented tiebreak treble in Rome

American tennis sensation Peyton Stearns has etched her name into the WTA history books at the prestigious Internazionali BNL d'Italia in Rome. The 23-year-old demonstrated extraordinary resilience and clutch play, becoming the first player in the Open Era to win three consecutive main-draw matches via nail-biting third-set tiebreakers, dispatching a trio of elite opponents.

Stearns' remarkable Roman holiday of high-stakes victories began after two relatively straightforward opening wins. Her dramatic sequence commenced on Saturday, May 10th, when she battled past Australian Open champion Madison Keys with a scoreline of 2-6, 6-2, 7-6(3). The drama continued on Monday, May 12th, as she outlasted four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka 6-4, 3-6, 7-6(4). The historic hat-trick was completed late on Tuesday, May 13th, when she overcame No. 16 seed Elina Svitolina 6-2, 4-6, 7-6(4), clinching her record-breaking win well after 1 a.m. local time.

This incredible display of nerve is not entirely unprecedented for Stearns. Last year, en route to a title in Rabat, Morocco, she famously clawed back from an 0-5 deficit in a deciding set during the quarterfinals, later winning a marathon semifinal that also went the distance, showcasing her penchant for thriving under pressure.

Having now made history in Rome, Stearns faces a formidable challenge in her next match against home favorite Jasmine Paolini. The No. 6 seed, who was a runner-up at both Roland Garros and Wimbledon in 2024, advanced by defeating Diana Shnaider in a more conventional three-setter.

When questioned about the prospect of facing a partisan crowd, Stearns remained unfazed. "I don’t expect many people to be cheering for me," she commented on court. "But that’s ok, I played college tennis so… I’m used to it." Her composure under immense pressure will undoubtedly be her greatest asset as she aims to extend her mind-blowing run.